3.8.1 Canadian Sedentary Behavior Guidelines for children aged 0 to 4, Canada, 2012
Notes:
Sedentary definition for infants (less than 1 year or pre-walking): Any waking behaviour characterized by low energy expenditure while restrained (e.g., stroller/pram, high chair, car seat/capsule), or when sedate (e.g. reclining/sitting in a chair with little movement but not restrained). Time spent in the prone position (“tummy time”) is not considered a sedentary exposure.
Sedentary definition for Toddlers and preschoolers (age 1-4): any waking behaviour characterized by an energy expenditure ≤ 1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs), while in a sitting, reclining or lying posture.
Source: Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. 2012. Accessed March 20, 2018 at: http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CanadianSedentaryGuidelinesStatements_E_2012.pdf
In 2012, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) published Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for children 0 to 4 years of age.
According to the Guidelines, children under 2 years of age should not be exposed to screen time (e.g. TV, Computers or electronic games).1
For children aged 2 to 4 years, screen time should be limited to under one hour per day; less is better.1
In addition to limiting screen time, it is recommended that caregivers limit the time children aged 0 to 4 spend being sedentary during waking hours. This includes
prolonged sitting or being restrained (e.g., stroller, high chair) for more than one hour at a time.1
1Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. 2012. Accessed March 20, 2018 at: http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CanadianSedentaryGuidelinesStatements_E_2012.pdf